Table of Contents
Attending college in the U.S. can be expensive. In addition to tuition and fees, students may need to cover the cost of room and board, along with other expenses, such as books and lab fees.
To help students going to college manage their budget, it’s important that they carefully weigh their options when it comes to public and private schools. In-state tuition at a public college can be far cheaper than out-of-state tuition or a private nonprofit school.
Key Points
• The average in-state tuition (with fees) at a public four-year college is $9,750, while out-of-state tuition averages $28,386, and private nonprofit universities average $38,421 annually.
• States with the lowest in-state tuition and fees include Florida ($4,836), Wyoming ($5,695), Montana ($7,755), North Carolina ($8,175), and Idaho ($8,471).
• The average total cost of attendance, including room, board, and other costs, rises to $27,146 annually for in-state public schools and $58,628 for private nonprofit schools.
• Students can finance their education with federal aid (grants, loans, and work-study), scholarships, or private loans (typically a last resort due to the fewer protections they offer).
• Choosing an in-state public college in a low-cost state can help keep tuition under $10,000 annually, significantly reducing reliance on loans.
College Tuition in the United States
The United States has some of the world’s highest tuition costs, and prices have risen steeply over time, driven in part by increasing demand and the availability of loans. More recently, however, factors such as the increased availability of financial aid have kept average net tuition prices relatively stable.
Colleges have also added amenities to their campuses to help attract higher-paying students. While appealing to many students, this has a knock-on effect on the cost of attendance. Schools are also spending more on administration.
Average College Tuition Costs
The cost of college varies depending on whether students choose to attend public or private institutions. Public schools generally have different costs for in-state and out-of-state tuition.
The average tuition cost for 2025-2026 for an in-state student at a public four-year school is $9,750 per year. A student attending a public four-year program from out of state can expect to pay an average of $28,386 per year, according to the Education Data Initiative.
Students who wish to attend a private nonprofit four-year college will pay an average of $38,421 per year.
In addition to tuition and fees, students also have to cover other costs, such as room and board and transportation. These additional expenses will vary depending on whether you’re living on or off-campus, but they can add more than $10,000 to the annual cost of attending college. The average annual cost of attendance for students attending a public four-year in-state program is $27,146. Out-of-state students face an average of $45,708 per year. And for students attending a private nonprofit four-year program, the average annual cost of attendance is $58,628.
Recommended: What Is the Average Cost of College Tuition?
States With the Cheapest College Tuition
College tuition prices for public four-year institutions vary widely by state. Generally speaking, public colleges in the South and the West are the cheapest to attend. Colleges in the Northeast are the most expensive. Vermont has the most expensive in-state tuition and fees, topping out at an annual average of $19,223. New Hampshire is a close second at $18,839. To learn more, take a look at the annual study published by the College Board that tracks trends in college pricing and financial aid.
Here’s a look at the states with the cheapest in-state tuition and fees at four-year flagship university programs over the 2025-2026 school year.
Florida
University of Florida
In-state tuition and fees: $6,380
Out-of-state tuition and fees: $30,900
North Carolina
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
In-state tuition and fees: $7,020
Out-of-state tuition and fees: $43,152
Wyoming
University of Wyoming
In-state tuition and fees: $8,245
Out-of-state tuition and fees: $24,865
Montana
University of Montana
In-state tuition and fees: $9,188
Out-of-state tuition and fees: $34,312
Idaho
University of Idaho
In-state tuition and fees: $9,400
Out-of-state tuition and fees: $28,636
South Dakota
University of South Dakota
In-state tuition and fees: $9,687
Out-of-state tuition and fees: $13,299
Mississippi
University of Mississippi
In-state tuition and fees: $9,990
Out-of-state tuition and fees: $30,150
Utah
University of Utah
In-state tuition and fees: $10,004
Out-of-state tuition and fees: $31,748
Georgia
University of Georgia
In-state tuition and fees: $10,034
Out-of-state tuition and fees: $30,878
Nevada
University of Nevada, Reno
In-state tuition and fees: $10,309
Out-of-state tuition and fees: $28,941
Arkansas
University of Arkansas
In-state tuition and fees: $10,496
Out-of-state tuition and fees: $29,146
West Virginia
West Virginia University
In-state tuition and fees: $10,752
Out-of-state tuition and fees: $30,432
Paying for College
Because the price of college tuition, fees, and room and board can be so high, many students have to take out student loans and apply for grants and scholarships to make college affordable. Students may take out federal loans or private loans to help them pay for school. They’ll have to repay these loans through a series of monthly payments with interest.
The U.S. Education Department offers federal loans under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. This program includes four types of federal loans:
• Direct Subsidized Loans are available to undergrads who demonstrate financial need. The Education Department covers the interest on these loans while the students are enrolled in school at least half-time.
• Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to undergrads, graduate students, and professional students and are not based on need.
• Direct PLUS Loans are for graduate and professional students and parents of dependent undergrads. Eligibility is not based on financial need. Effective July 1, 2026, new PLUS loans will no longer be available for grad and professional students. However, borrowers who already received a grad PLUS loan can continue borrowing under current terms through the 2028-2029 school year.
• Direct Consolidation Loans allow students to combine federal loans into a single loan.
To apply for federal student loans and other forms of federal aid, students must fill out the FAFSA®, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, each year.
Recommended: FAFSA Guide
Private student loans may be available through private lenders, such as banks and online lenders. These institutions set their own terms, interest rates, and loan amounts. When determining individual rates and terms, lenders will generally evaluate the applicant’s credit history, among other factors. Private student loans are typically considered a last resort when it comes to financing college because they aren’t required to include the same borrower benefits or protections (such as income-driven repayment options) as federal student loans.
There are also various sources of financial aid that can help students pay for school. This aid can come from federal, state, school, and private sources.
• Grants, such as federal Pell Grants, are a form of financial aid that doesn’t need to be paid back, unlike student loans.
• Scholarships are funds offered to students, often based on academic performance, an area of study, or special talents. Scholarships also do not generally need to be repaid.
• Work-study programs allow students to earn money while they’re in school. Students may qualify for the federal work-study program based on financial need.
• Many schools offer financial aid or scholarships.
The Takeaway
College can be a huge expense, but there are also a lot of benefits of a college education. As you’re considering schools, it’s important to evaluate all of your options and think seriously about choosing one that’s in your budget, as well as finding manageable ways to pay for it. That may mean attending a public school in the state you live in. And if you live in one of the states with the cheapest in-state tuition, you may pay less than $10,000 a year to go to school.
If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.
Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.
FAQ
How much does college cost on average in the US?
The estimated average cost of attendance for one year of college (living on campus) is $27,146 for in-state students at public four-year schools, $45,782 per year for out-of-state students at public four-year schools, and $58,628 for students at private nonprofit schools.
What state has the cheapest tuition?
States with the cheapest in-state tuition include Florida, Wyoming, and Montana. For out-of-state students, Florida, South Dakota, and North Dakota have some of the cheapest tuition.
What funding options are available?
By filling in the FAFSA, students can apply for federal loans. Direct Subsidized Loans are based on need, while Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Direct PLUS Loans are not need-based, and Direct Consolidation Loans allow students to combine federal loans. Further options may include grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and school-based financial aid.
Photo credit: iStock/Bet_Noire
SoFi Private Student Loans
Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 4/22/2025 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.
SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.
Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.
SOISL-Q126-012